United News of Bangladesh

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Sunday urged voters to cast a ‘Yes’ vote, saying it is essential to ensure an accountable administration and moral leadership from responsible politicians. “If you want change, it cannot be achieved by keeping the same people, the same system and the same laws,” she said, adding that the government has formed several reform commissions to determine the process of meaningful change. She said six reform commissions are directly linked to voting, balance of power and accountability, and their recommendations have already been discussed with all political parties. Read More: Local administration involved in Bholaganj stone looting: Rizwana Hasan “Based on those discussions, voters will be asked four questions on 12 issues through a referendum using pink ballot papers,” she said. “If you support reform, accountability and moral leadership, then you must vote ‘Yes’.” The adviser made the remarks while speaking at a referendum campaign and voter motivation meeting at Nilphamari Shilpakala Academy in the afternoon. Referring to past elections, Rizwana Hasan said people were systematically prevented from voting and the administration was used to control the process. “There was no scope for neutrality. This is why reforms are necessary,” she said, adding that people must go to polling centres and vote ‘Yes’ to free the country from such an administrative culture. She also warned that intimidation and conflict may be used to discourage voters but said such efforts would fail. Read More: Youth must play active role in environmental protection: Syeda Rizwana Hasan “All preparations for the referendum have been completed. No matter what obstacles arise, the government is ready and the vote will be held on time,” she said. Explaining the significance of a ‘Yes’ vote, the adviser said it would make the caretaker government system mandatory, prevent arbitrary constitutional changes and stop partisan control over the Election Commission. “A ‘Yes’ vote will strengthen the judiciary, reform the electoral system, end party-based administration, and ensure dignity for people of all religions and for women,” she added. Regarding martyred Osman Hadi, Rizwana Hasan said his killing has shocked the entire nation and the government is committed to ensuring justice. “The charge sheet has already been submitted and the legal process will begin soon,” she said. Md Abu Jafar, Director (Joint Secretary) of Local Government at the Rangpur Divisional Commissioner’s Office, spoke as a special guest at the meeting, which was chaired by Nilphamari Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nairuzzaman.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres concluded his Ramadan solidarity visit on Sunday morning, expressing his hope that Bangladesh would become one of the most perfect democracies in the world through reforms. Guterres left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 9:55am on Sunday. UN chief voices “concern” over disinformation targeted against Bangladesh: Foreign Adviser Environment, Forests and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Chief Adviser's High Representative for Rohingya issue Khalilur Rahman saw him off at the airport. Before his departure, the UN Secretary General spoke to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus over the phone and exchanged farewell greetings, CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Before leaving Dhaka, Guterres expressed his total solidarity with the efforts that Bangladesh is taking in order to introduce reforms that will make Bangladesh "one of the most perfect democracies" in the world. During his visit, the secretary-general met with top officials, including Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus; Foreign Adviser Md Towhid Hossain, and High Representative Khalilur Rahman. He visited the Rohingya camps to share Ramadan Solidarity Iftar with about 10 million Rohingya when he was accompanied by the Chief Adviser. He also joined a roundtable discussion on reforms, met with Bangladeshi youth representatives and members of the civil society. Guterres, who arrived in Dhaka on March 13, said Bangladesh can count on full support of the UN in its way to provide its citizens a set of institutions which will be able to guide the country towards "sustainable and inclusive" development. During iftar and early dinner hosted by Chief Adviser Dr Yunus on Saturday, Guterres expressed his deep admiration to him and his team for the work they are conducting. He reiterated that Bangladesh can count on the UN's full solidarity in mobilis.ing all their capacities to support the reforms in Bangladesh. Guterres highlighted Bangladesh’s support to the United Nations and its mission, particularly in peacekeeping. Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, with thousands of soldiers serving in some of the world’s most dangerous environments. UN chief acknowledges people’s hopes for democracy, justice, prosperity “I want to pay tribute to the sacrifices and dedication of Bangladeshi peacekeepers,” he said. Regarding Bangladesh's efforts to support over 1 million Rohingya refugees, Guterres said Bangladesh's generosity is "absolutely outstanding". "You have been a remarkable example....that should be followed," said the UN chief.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that the government is working with the public to protect nature and the environment. She also said that initiatives have been taken to transform institutions like the Department of Environment, Forest Department, and Water Development Board into people-oriented organisations. The adviser made the remarks on Wednesday evening while addressing as the Chief Guest at the 'Prokriti O Jibon Foundation - Channel i Nature Conservation Award 2023' ceremony held at the Channel i premises in the capital. She said that environmental conservation should be regarded as a national priority, and everyone must take action accordingly. “Efforts are underway to bridge the gap between the government and the public by addressing their concerns and ensuring their voices are heard,” she added. Syeda Rizwana Hasan further said that conservation efforts must be driven by compassion for nature. She highlighted the irreversible loss of species once they disappear and stressed the importance of recognizing environmental warriors.